Dozens of residents and church members speak for and against Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene height variance; P&Z denial stands until council review

More than a dozen speakers addressed the council March 5 about an appeal by the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene for an increased building height for a proposed new sanctuary. The Planning and Zoning Commission previously denied the height request 7‑0; the council is scheduled to consider the appeal at a future meeting (speakers referenced an April 2 or April date during public comment).

Opponents said the proposed height and expansion are inconsistent with the surrounding rural‑residential neighborhood, would set an unwelcome precedent and could harm property values and wildlife. Tricia Tozier, a longtime resident, urged council to "uphold the 7 to 0 P&Z Commission rejection of this organization's recent high height ask," and described noise and drainage impacts she said grew as activity at the site increased.

Supporters asked council to reverse the P&Z denial, saying the church serves wide community needs. Ray Hahn, who identified himself as a volunteer and financial supporter of OVCN but not an employee, listed the church’s community services — from training events with public safety agencies to monthly food and coat drives — and said, "If OVCN is allowed to expand, it will positively impact even more individuals and family than it currently can."

What the Planning and Zoning action was

Multiple speakers cited the January Planning and Zoning Commission action that denied the height request by a 7‑0 vote. Several opponents referenced the P&Z decision and asked council to respect that body’s findings. Supporters noted the request is limited to building height and said other development issues such as drainage, lighting and landscaping would be handled in later permitting stages.

Range of concerns and claims

- Opponents (Tricia Tozier, Doug Dalby, Tim Terrace, Trendy LaForge and others) described concerns about scale, noise from events, traffic, lost views, and possible future acquisitions of residential lots. Dalby asserted that some images shown by the church to neighbors were misleading and that the church had already altered nearby rights of way and vegetation for parking. - Supporters (Ray Hahn, Chris Baird, Robert Sabo and others) described the church’s volunteer programs, youth sports, food‑packing efforts and use of its facilities for public‑safety training, and asked council to weigh community benefits in its decision.

Process and timeline

Speakers emphasized the two‑stage municipal review: the height variance is part of an initial discretionary approval; later stages will address traffic, drainage, landscaping and other site‑specific conditions. Council members did not act on the appeal at the March 5 meeting; several speakers urged council to overturn the P&Z denial when the appeal is scheduled for council review.